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Have you made someone smile today? Sun, 24 Sep 2017 20:59:04 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/https://s2.wp.com/i/buttonw-com.pngThink Before You Type Media Grouphttps://tbytmedia.com
Jesse Ruben Interviewhttps://tbytmedia.com/2017/07/22/jesse-ruben-interview/
https://tbytmedia.com/2017/07/22/jesse-ruben-interview/#respondSat, 22 Jul 2017 17:24:49 +0000http://tbytmedia.com/?p=2426]]>We caught up with singer-songwriter Jesse Ruben to discuss his amazing initiative “The We Can Project”, his music, and his passion for tapping into the power of words.

We caught up with the members of Royal Street to discuss their newly released album “Flavors”, their love of music and touring, and their advice for people who are being cyberbullied.

How long have you been a band? What inspired you to become a group?

We have been a band for two years now. Alex and I (Viana) were in bands for a few years before, and Brian [Cauti] was always a friend of ours, our bands played together a lot in the Providence scene. One day we decided to reboot our music and start Royal Street, and we knew Cauti was the perfect man for the job.

Who are your musical influences?

We have all kinds of musical influences! They range from The 1975 and Prince to Paramore and Bad Suns.

You have a new album coming out. What was your favorite part of making the album?

Well, the whole process has been pretty fun and inspiring. The best part is definitely either writing the songs together or being in the studio and watching them come to life. Then the build up of waiting to show them to people is so exciting! That’s the stage we’re in now. It’s like waiting for Christmas morning.

What was your inspiration for the album?

Our inspiration comes from all around us. Things that happen to us, to friends, to the world. A lot of this album was inspired by our friends and also the experiences we’ve had together as a band!

You guys have played a lot of shows over the past couple of years. What’s your favorite part of touring? Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Oh man. Touring is such a hilarious experience. Living together like bums really makes you become a family. Usually, before our show, we just love hanging out with anyone who came to see us, and the other bands. We usually eat something horrible, that while we’re eating it we say, “ Well, we probably shouldn’t have this before we jump around on stage… “ but it never stops us. Also, whiskey is usually involved.

Music means something different to everyone. What does it mean to you?

Music means something different every day to me. But usually, it’s something comforting. Something there for whatever emotion I find myself feeling in that moment. That’s what I love about music, it’s versatile. There for you in whatever state you’re in!

At Think Before You Type, we’re really passionate about encouraging other young people to use the internet for good. What’s one positive way that you would like to see the internet change?

I would love to see less putting other people down on the Internet. If you don’t have something nice to say, then just don’t say it! I think people need to worry more about themselves and less about having an opinion on what everyone else is doing.

Who are you role models?

First off, our parents. We all come from strong support systems, and it’s an amazing thing. Musically, we look up to anyone out there doing the darn thing. We know what we do isn’t easy, and to see someone pursuing something they love is magical.

If you had the chance to speak to someone who has been cyberbullied, what would you say to encourage them?

Man. I would tell them to keep their head up and remember that whoever is on the other end of that computer has their own issues that they’re too scared to deal with, so they push negativity towards others. Don’t be like them, rise above them. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, and the important thing is to be the bigger person.

We recently had the chance to catch up with indie/pop artist Wanderer. Check out what he had to say about music, the internet, and what the future looks like for Wanderer.

You recently released a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”. What made you decide to cover the song, and what helped you make it your own?

It’s one of my favorite songs of all time, and I’ve played a version of it at shows before. I liked the idea of taking the melody and lyrics but making the song more ethereal and cinematic sounding. Stripping it down and adding my own musical style turned it into something so different, that I wanted people to hear.

Who are your musical influences?

I’m influenced every day by so many artists and creators. But some of my main influences for Wanderer would be John Mayer, The 1975, Fleetwood Mac, The Weeknd, and Arctic Monkeys.

How large of an impact has the internet had on your career?

It’s everything. The way I communicate with fans, release music, deliver content, and present myself is all based up on the internet and how we all consume every day. Things like Spotify and Instagram have been so huge in helping me deliver my message to lots of people.

How do you deal with negativity online?

I think just remembering to take a step back and not let one comment or post get you upset is important. There will always be people who don’t like what you’re doing or are jealous. Not worth your time.

What is something people tend to misjudge or underestimate about you?

I think sometimes people just see what’s on the outside, and aren’t aware of the amount of work that goes into this project behind the scenes. Making the music is only a small part. Promoting, marketing, releasing, and running a business all come with it too. Every day I’m working towards a goal and doing my best to respond to everything and create an experience for fans.

When you’re down, what song helps to pick up your mood?

I like to listen to a lot of older music. So some Frank Sinatra or my favorite Beatles songs always do the trick.

If you could only use one social media site, which one would it be and why?

Personally, I’d say Instagram. It’s very straightforward and clean to use. I like having lots of visuals to accompany the music.

What is your advice for young people who are being cyberbullied?

Try to spend more time off the computer and connecting with people in real life. It’s easy to get caught up in what someone is saying behind a keyboard or anonymously, but you’ll realize that in the long run, none of that matters. It’s really all about being happy with yourself. Don’t get dragged down by someone’s negative words or comments. Most likely, they themselves are hurting or insecure if they are spending time doing that.

What has been the best experience you’ve had since becoming Wanderer?

I’ve had some really incredible shows and did an awesome tour at the beginning of the year. So I’d say that, along with writing some music I’m really proud of. Hearing my songs on the radio is pretty wild too.

We recently caught up with indie-folk singer-songwriter Kyle Britton. Here’s what he had to say about the internet, music, and upcoming project.

What inspired you to get involved with music?

As kids, I think everyone would agree, that we’re all involved in music. We see those viral videos of babies dancing before that even know how to crawl. Music is born with a place in our souls. Some people grow up and find other things they enjoy or ways to make a living….I guess I never grew up.

How has the internet played a role in your career?

The internet is a global audience at your fingertips; it’s business deals and networking; it’s merchant services, banking, product manufacturing. Aside from recording the album in a studio and performing live, the internet is where I do all my business.

Who are your musical influences?

My brother and my father. My brother is a fantastic songwriter and musician and my pop’s a old school country strummer. I loved when my dad use to pick up a guitar and sing some old Hank Williams, I wanted to be able to do that. My brother motivates me without even knowing it. He writes such clever songs that it pushes me to try to keep up.What is the best part of being a musician?

Heading to some small town, with your guitar in the backseat, knowing that there’s a group of people who wanted you to come into their lives and share what you’ve created is a pretty cool feeling. So, I guess the best part has to be connecting with a crowd who finds personal uses for your art and they use it to improve their emotional state.You recently released a new EP. What was your favorite part of making the EP?

I loved producing it! It was so much fun thinking about all the different sounds and instruments we could use. I learned a simple rhythm on the castanets for ‘Fire Walker’, stuff like that was really fun for me.

When you’re down, what do you do to pick up your mood?

I like to get my feet dirty when I’m down. Hitting the hiking trails is absolutely the best thing I can do lift my mood. Usually, when I’m out there all alone for miles, I’m singing out loud, working on a tune, or just exercising my voice.

We’re really passionate about encouraging other young people to use the internet for good. What’s one positive way that you would like to see the internet change?

The internet is an amazing tool. I’m not sure if youths today even know what encyclopedias are…and that’s a good thing! We have almost unlimited information sitting in our pockets. I suppose if there was a change to the internet it would have to be a change in how it’s being used. And that’s up to the parents or guardians to implement positive internet using habits.

What advice do you have for young people who are dealing with cyberbullying?

It never feels good to hear people being nasty to you. But you have to take into account who’s doing the bullying and why the heck you care what they think. When you realize there are very few people you actually care what they think, bullying gets much easier to deal with.

What do you have coming up for the rest of the year?

My wife and I are heading to Bali for our honeymoon! After that we get back and go on tour in October. We’ll be staying on the west coast just heading up and down and back again. We have another video set to release in October as well. And hopefully one more video to release before the end of the year. Jewelia (my wife) and I are currently in development of a new single we might try to record for the holidays.

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Khloe, a little girl making a big difference by reaching out to homeless people in her community!

Can you describe Khloe Kares and the Work that you do?

Khloe Kares is an organization where I make these really cute bags called “Kare bags” with my grandma. Then we fill these bags with such items as toothbrushes and toothpaste, lotion, socks, conditioner and shampoo, wash cloths, soap, clean shirts, feminine products and other items. The stuff in the bags should last you about a month.

What prompted you to start the organization?

I would see the same homeless people everyday on my was to school. So I started asking my mom why they were there or how they become homeless. And when she would tell me, it made me sad, and I wanted to do something to help.

What advice do you have for other young people who want to make a difference in their communities?

Don’t let your age stop you from doing what you want. You can do anything at any age. And tell your parents about your ideas and get their support.

Our mom has been a big part of our organization. It seems like your family is also very involved in Khloe Kares. Who is involved and what do they do?

My whole family is involved. From my mom driving me around to my grandma helping me make bags and teaching me how to sew. My dad helps with all the heavy stuff, and he helps keep everything organized. All my other family is very supportive.

What do you think the future holds for Khloe Kares?

Well, right now we are getting ready for our toy drive. We are doing things with the Anne Douglass center at the LA Mission on skid row, and we are doing a “paint with me” project with the kids that visit their moms in the shelter. And we have a community potluck coming up around Thanksgiving. I also have a few speaking engagements. So I stay busy! Khloe Kares is here to help the community, and one day I might even have my own community center!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a veterinarian. I love animals, and I love watching animal surgeries on YouTube. I got to visit a vet hospital, and I was so excited to be there. I don’t know if I want to specialize in small or large animals just yet.

How would you like to see kids your age get involved in helping others?

I want them to do their part. Get involved in something that will make a difference. It doesn’t have to be like what I’m doing, but it can be something they are interested in.

In what way can others get involved with Khloe Kares?

People can donate items to Khloe Kares, or they can donate money to help with the stuff we buy to fill the bags. My friends that are homeless deserve nice things too, so we give out the good stuff in the Kare bags.

]]>https://tbytmedia.com/2016/07/29/khloe-kares-interview/feed/0thinkbeforeyoutypecampaignIMG_4072TBYT Interviews The Weekend Riothttps://tbytmedia.com/2016/07/08/tbyt-interview-the-weekend-riot/
https://tbytmedia.com/2016/07/08/tbyt-interview-the-weekend-riot/#respondFri, 08 Jul 2016 00:41:26 +0000http://tbytmedia.com/?p=2186]]>V and L from Think Before You Type sat down with The Weekend Riot to talk about music, cyberbullying, and what’s up next for the duo.

TBYT recently caught up with Hope, Wolf, and Brian from the band VISTA. We discussed a variety of topics including their new EP, musical influences, and personal experiences with negativity online.

Think Before You Type:VISTA is a recently formed band, can you tell us how you guys all met and what made you decide to start the band together?

VISTA:Hope had been a solo artist for about a decade, and Wolf was her touring drummer. Their musical brains just completely meshed right off the bat, and they made the decision to form a new band. Brian and Wolf had been in bands together previously, and they’ve been friends for years. Brian was actually supposed to be one of Hope’s new touring guitarists, so he came along on a weekend of shows to kind of get a feel for things and pick up on some of her songs. It was just a clear fit to ask Brian to be a part of VISTA!

TBYT: Sometimes the internet can be a really tough place. How do you deal with negative comments on social media?

Hope: The internet can be a really dangerous space. You can connect with people easily, which is super helpful as a musician, but I think it’s really important to remember that any negative comment you read is just a set of words on a screen. It’s digital, it’s not the real world. That’s always what I try to keep in mind. I know words on a social media site can be extremely, extremely hurtful. But lately I’ve been saying that I would much rather live my life off a screen than behind one, you know? Make sure to maintain good personal relationships.

TBYT: Who are your musical influences?

VISTA: All of our influences run on a pretty wide range. We’re all huge fans of bands like PVRIS and Set It Off. Brian loves Periphery, and he’s actually a big Bieber fan, too. Hope’s got three main musical sets of influences: pop punk and alt. rock, 90’s pop, and classic rock. Wolf’s got some pop punk vibes too, and he also loves the Biebs.

TBYT:What’s one thing that people tend to misjudge or underestimate about each of you?

Hope: In the past, some people have gotten super confused or surprised when they see how I dress compared to my personality. I wear black almost exclusively, you can never wear enough black! I’ve always gravitated more towards darker colors, with pretty much everything, but my personality is really bubble and upbeat…. which kind of contrasts the stigma behind wearing dark clothes. I guess it’s just an interesting contrast!

Brian: Probably that most of the time, people think I’m off doing dumb things but at heart I’m a very down to earth and real person.

Wolf: People tend to underestimate how hard I’ll work to get to where I want to be.

TBYT:When you’re down, what song helps to pick up your mood?

Hope: Any Backstreet Boys song!!!

Brian: For some reason I really enjoy metal when I’m down. So one of the songs I listen to is “The Bad Thing” by Periphery.

Hope: You have such a broad taste in music, I can dig it. I’ve never heard of Periphery, now I have something new to check out.

Wolf: Anything by Set It Off!

TBYT:We’re really passionate about encouraging other young people to use the internet for good. What’s one positive way that you would like to see the internet change?

VISTA: Twitter shouldn’t be as negative. It’s a cool idea, a cool space that should be used to connect with your favorite musicians, actors, athletes, your friends. That space seems to be pretty abused nowadays. The bullying online, tweet wars, and subtweeting is just ridiculous. It could be such an awesome place online, but we’d really like to see people use it the right way, the positive way.

TBYT:Who are your role models?

Hope: My dad was my top role model. But I think that right now, and especially most recently, my role model has been my brother. He’s 7 years younger than me, but that kid is one of the most kind-hearted, care-free, talented teenagers I know. The way he carries himself at just 16 is super inspiring to me and I’m always more than proud to be his sister.

Brian: My role model would probably be my mom. She taught me how to fight for the things I want and to never give up when things get hard.

Wolf: My boss at my job.

TBYT: What advice or encouragement do you guys have for young people who are being cyberbullied?

VISTA: Get off the computer or phone for a bit. Go outside, get some fresh air, real air. Live more of your life offscreen instead of behind one. It really does wonders. Words on a screen are just words.

TBYT:What do you guys have coming up in 2016?

VISTA: Our EP! We’re gonna try and push out as much content as possible besides just music. Videos, photos, just a bunch of different things. And we will definitely be on the road. It will happen!

TBYT:How do you define ‘beauty’?

Brian: Beauty is who you are on the inside. And who you are on the inside could change the world and make it a more beautiful place.